Tsongas dvd let down

[oliastu]

Anyone else disappointed with the Tsongas dvd?

The sound is as if there is a microphone on each camera so that whoever is focussed on is most prominent. Steve is often too low in the mix and, by the end of disc one the sound/vision is out of sync! To top it off the extras are poor.

Considering this was embarrassingly delayed, I expected a lot better.

[soul warrior]

wow...that doesnt sound good. i know i was disappointed with the keys DVD. i was hoping for something better this time around. either way i gotta get it cuz it was a great show that i want to remember forever...

[Vic Anderson]

i beg to differ man

what are you playing it on

it certainly is not out of sync :)
i think its amazing so much energy :)

[Vic Anderson]

remember that this dvd almost didn't happen

just steve and jon cared about it

the delayes were management related

[jambo]

Anyone else disappointed with the Tsongas dvd?

The sound is as if there is a microphone on each camera so that whoever is focussed on is most prominent. Steve is often too low in the mix and, by the end of disc one the sound/vision is out of sync! To top it off the extras are poor.

Considering this was embarrassingly delayed, I expected a lot better.

I to disargree, It is mixed prefectly, exactly how you would hear at a concert.

They all still have their energy!

although i agree that the extras are poor but you only get a 3 hr concert!

[Scooty]

just steve and jon cared about it



Where on earth did you ever get this idea from???

[Andersonic]

yeah I wonder too Vic?

[nightliner]

Its my understanding that Ritual was added because Chris wanted it to be.

I think maybe WE had a hand in that too. Chris knew we wanted Ritual.

[True Believer]

I think it's a great DVD - has all the energy of that tour captured. Sound's great, vision great. Would have maybe liked more extras - interviews with the band or something.

[Scooty]

Its my understand that Ritual was added because Chris wanted it to be.

I think maybe WE had a hand in that too. Chris knew we wanted Ritual.



Exactly Dave. Hence why I don't understand Vic's statement. I KNOW Chris cared about this DVD because he was irked that Ritual didn't make the original cut...

I think we had a hand in egging Chris on about making sure that Ritual made the grade ;)

I would have been beyond PO'd if it wasn't on there!

[Malcolm Birkett]

Exactly Dave. Hence why I don't understand Vic's statement. I KNOW Chris cared about this DVD because he was irked that Ritual didn't make the original cut...

I think we had a hand in egging Chris on about making sure that Ritual made the grade ;)

I would have been beyond PO'd if it wasn't on there!
Is 'Every Little Thing' included? It was the first ever song I heard by Yes - on the radio in UK early in 1969.('Looking Around' was the next one on the same programme - the DJ was blown away!!) Even though I did a fair few shows last year (US and UK) they didn't play it at any of those I attended - I was gutted!
PLEASE tell me it is on there!

[Scooty]

Is 'Every Little Thing' included? It was the first ever song I heard by Yes - on the radio in UK early in 1969.('Looking Around' was the next one on the same programme - the DJ was blown away!!) Even though I did a fair few shows last year (US and UK) they didn't play it at any of those I attended - I was gutted!
PLEASE tell me it is on there!


As far as I know brother Malcom...its on there.
But I havent seen it myself.

Can't wait to meet you in NY!!

[Malcolm Birkett]

Yes Scooty. I am so chuffed (limey talk for over the moon) you are going. It WILL be an incredible night and I am sure will go down in the annals of 'Yes/Associated personnel' history. It will, I am sure, be an absolute bloody blinder!!!
If we both end up staying at Al's and Deni, Deni's it will be one helluva night and following day!! We just need some of those CA folks to head over East side. I would love to see Kathy(Silent Wings) and Patrick again. Roll on mate.

[Timmo]

I'm going to the Beacon Show. Liquor Locust representin'

[Igor23]

Is 'Every Little Thing' included? It was the first ever song I heard by Yes - on the radio in UK early in 1969.('Looking Around' was the next one on the same programme - the DJ was blown away!!) Even though I did a fair few shows last year (US and UK) they didn't play it at any of those I attended - I was gutted!
PLEASE tell me it is on there!

The answer is a resounding.... yes!, and please ignore the earlier post, there's nothing wrong with the sound quality, top notch dvd..

[inside_out]

[QUOTE=Scooty]Exactly Dave. Hence why I don't understand Vic's statement. I KNOW Chris cared about this DVD because he was irked that Ritual didn't make the original cut...

I think we had a hand in egging Chris on about making sure that Ritual made the grade ;)

Chris cares about anything Yes does, and to think otherwise is just silly. There's no doubt that Chris understands and cares about what we think. Trust me, 'He knows'.

[Joe]

Hey guys........I can't wait to hear and see this! I was at that show, and I gotta tell you, they had a rough night. It wasn't really their fault. The ventilation system broke down about an hour into the show. It got so hot and humid that people were passing out. NO S#IT! Rick's keyboards were goin off and on. He was yelling all night at some guy (I guess it was his tec) Some other guy was running back and forth on the stage, dropping off bottled water also all night. YES still put on a great show, but I never though this was gonna make it to DVD.

[YesScots]

It's a really good dvd which I think accurately reflects the concert.

I'm in total agreement with Joe - it was an incredibly hot concert to watch, far less to have to perform under the added heat of all that stage lighting.

Our copy of the DVD arrived yesterday and we enjoyed watching every minute, especially so the banter among the band during the acoustic set. I'd give it a big thumbs up!!

Enjoy!

Ali.

[Dr Yes]

Phew! For a minute I was really panicked.

"Yes has put out another DVD/video with dodgy sound" ARRRGGGHHHH!

But no. Thankfully, it seems that it's not the case.

Mind you, the band does have a poor track record - Yessongs (sound poor), Keys (sound really poor), Yesspeak (sound obliterated by some old blokes rambling on about when they were in the rock business). Seriously though, I wish you could get a full version of that tour on DVD and not just the woeful audio that accompanies the DVD.

Doc

[Altres]

I thought the sound quality of Keys was great. It is the only Yes DVD I have but it sounds good to me. What are the others like? There is a Philidelphia gig from '79 (quite short I think) going cheap in FOPP. Is it worth it?

Brian

[Andersonic]

Every Little Thing is on it too, the whole show is;

Firebird Suite
Going For The One
Sweet Dreams
I've Seen All Good People
Mind Drive/South Side Of The Sky
Turn Of The Century
Foot Prints
Mind Drive (Conclusion)
Yours Is No Disgrace
The Meeting
Long Distance Runaround
Wonderous Stories
Time Is Time
Roundabout
Show Me
Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Second Initial
Rhythm Of Love
And You And I
Ritual
Every Little Thing
Starship Trooper

[Dr Yes]

I thought the sound quality of Keys was great. It is the only Yes DVD I have but it sounds good to me. What are the others like? There is a Philidelphia gig from '79 (quite short I think) going cheap in FOPP. Is it worth it?

Brian

Maybe I had a duff copy, but the sound on my Keys version is very patchy, weedy, and seems to be an amalgamation of the two shows. There's also of instances where the band aren't playing what you're hearing down to it being a mixture of two shows and there being some overdubs. Added to this, the performances aren't great IMO - especially Awaken which sounds very under rehearsed.

As to Philly '79 and whether to get it or not . . .
Well if it's goinf cheap get it as it's a valuable record of yes playing on the circular stage. The sound on that IS poor and it's not the whole show by any chalk (only 7/8 songs or something including drum solo, Circus of heaven and Anderson singing solo). But I think it's a nice thing to own if you want to see them playing in the 20,000 seat Spectrum at the height of their power.

[Jonny]

Hey guys........I can't wait to hear and see this! I was at that show, and I gotta tell you, they had a rough night. It wasn't really their fault. The ventilation system broke down about an hour into the show. It got so hot and humid that people were passing out. NO S#IT! Rick's keyboards were goin off and on. He was yelling all night at some guy (I guess it was his tec) Some other guy was running back and forth on the stage, dropping off bottled water also all night. YES still put on a great show, but I never though this was gonna make it to DVD.

It was the film crew who was behind all this.
They had decided to cut off the airco, for whatever reason this could have been.
They also claimed Rick Wakeman not to wear his white cape, for this could interfere with the technical adjustment of their camera gear. So he was almost obliged to wear a simple black t-shirt and black jeans instead.
This information came of Wakeman himself.

Jonny

[YesJen357]

Unfortunately the Philly '79 is a terrible dvd for an official release. Sound is poor, as is the picture. Only a collector would possibly like it. But please remember, I said "for an official release!" I've only looked at mine once, and don't think it was worth the $20 I paid for it!
My copy of Tsongas arrives in a few days... I'll be happy if it is anything like 'Symphonic.'

[Joe]

I thought the sound quality of Keys was great. It is the only Yes DVD I have but it sounds good to me. What are the others like? There is a Philidelphia gig from '79 (quite short I think) going cheap in FOPP. Is it worth it?

Brian
Hey Brian,
Get the "Symphonic" and
"House of Blues" DVD's. You want to hear quality? Dam! On the "Symhomic", it sounds like your on stage with them. When Chris uses his bass pedals, at some points, my house vibrates. And the orchestra is so clear...........AMAZING!

[allpurechance]

I must here echo Joe's sentiments...I just can't wait!

As to some of the naysaying regarding some of the other dvd's--

Symphonic is sheer excellence.

Keys is the best live setlist available on dvd,and I find it hard to quibble with the amalgam of several nights' video.And it sounds goooood,toooo!I am sorry to disagree with a previous poster,but the Awaken on Keys is the best live Awaken we had been offered until Yesspeak,the concert disc.As are most of the other selections!

Speaking of which.Upon repeated viewings/listenings,the only real problem I have with Yesspeak is the lack of an entire audio/VISUAL representation of that show!It's gotta be in the can somewhere!Please consider giving it all to us,at some point,Powers That Be!My conclusion is that Yesspeak is a gift from the classic band to it's hardcore fanbase(include here,me!),and I for one am immensely grateful for it!Every time I put it on,I watch spellbound-even though a less involved viewer might find it interminably boring,lol...but if you imagine someone else other than Roger Daltrey doing the narrative,Yesspeak begins to approach excellence as a documentary,in my oh,so humble opinion(no offense,Roger!But you're better off selling those 70's cd's on tv late at night,or touring with what's left of your wonderful band...so sorry!).Isn't that concert footage Roger talks over through most of the presentation incredibly tantalizing!?!I,personally find it telling that Yesspeak as a documentary uses almost solely live music from the most recent tour at that time as it's backdrop.The audio only concert(slide show video,whose idea WAS that?lol) is Excellent!

And,even though I must include myself amongst those victimized by the House Of Blues Incredible Non Playing dvd(it could still be my player,maybe!lol-I have a King Crimson double dvd set,Eyes Wide Open and my player stubbornly refuses to play the Japan disc.....arrrggggh!lmao-my sons' PlayStation 2 adequately remedies that problem,however-not so with House Of Blues...),the live cd's from that show initially reduced me to the teary eyed wreck all of us long time listeners have become accustomed to being in these latter days,LOL!And the VHS of House Of Blues is a thing of beauty!Especially The Ladder material,which I never appreciated well until I heard HOB.

We Yesfans,we love to quibble!I am comparatively easy to please,it seems.So,Joe?I'm with you!I canNOT wait!Ah,the acoustic set...!My fingers tremble their way over this keyboard even as I consider it!

Frank

[Hacman]

[QUOTE=allpurechance]I must here echo Joe's sentiments...I just can't wait!

As to some of the naysaying regarding some of the other dvd's--

Symphonic is sheer excellence.

Keys is the best live setlist available on dvd,and I find it hard to quibble with the amalgam of several nights' video.And it sounds goooood,toooo!I am sorry to disagree with a previous poster,but the Awaken on Keys is the best live Awaken we had been offered until Yesspeak,the concert disc.As are most of the other selections!

Speaking of which.Upon repeated viewings/listenings,the only real problem I have with Yesspeak is the lack of an entire audio/VISUAL representation of that show!It's gotta be in the can somewhere!Please consider giving it all to us,at some point,Powers That Be!My conclusion is that Yesspeak is a gift from the classic band to it's hardcore fanbase(include here,me!),and I for one am immensely grateful for it!Every time I put it on,I watch spellbound-even though a less involved viewer might find it interminably boring,lol...but if you imagine someone else other than Roger Daltrey doing the narrative,Yesspeak begins to approach excellence as a documentary,in my oh,so humble opinion(no offense,Roger!But you're better off selling those 70's cd's on tv late at night,or touring with what's left of your wonderful band...so sorry!).Isn't that concert footage Roger talks over through most of the presentation incredibly tantalizing!?!I,personally find it telling that Yesspeak as a documentary uses almost solely live music from the most recent tour at that time as it's backdrop.The audio only concert(slide show video,who's idea WAS that?lol) is Excellent!

And,even though I must include myself amongst those victimized by the House Of Blues Incredible Non Playing dvd(it could still be my player,maybe!lol-



Mine acutually DID get stuck in my DVD. I had to take the darn thing apart to get it out!

That said, I got another of the recently re-issued HOB DVDs and it is just great. I can't decide between that and Symphonic which is better now. The reissued "House of Yes" is a must buy IMO.

If Tsongas is close, I'll be very happy.


Homer

[Silent_wings]

Yes Scooty. I am so chuffed (limey talk for over the moon) you are going. It WILL be an incredible night and I am sure will go down in the annals of 'Yes/Associated personnel' history. It will, I am sure, be an absolute bloody blinder!!!
If we both end up staying at Al's and Deni, Deni's it will be one helluva night and following day!! We just need some of those CA folks to head over East side. I would love to see Kathy(Silent Wings) and Patrick again. Roll on mate.

Oh man I wish I could come Malcolm but it doesn't look like I'll be able to.

I can't wait to see the offical video

[Dr Yes]

I am sorry to disagree with a previous poster,but the Awaken on Keys is the best live Awaken we had been offered until Yesspeak,the concert disc.As are most of the other selections!

Frank

Well Frank, of course it's your right to disagree. It's just my opinion of course.

Personally speaking - and I've got pretty much everything the band has ever marketed along with about 120 unofficial CD shows and numerous unofficial DVDs - it's pretty thin and weedy in terms of the sound, and it sounds very untogether to my ears compared with maybe 20/30 versions I've heard. That's all I am saying.

Each to his own!

As you say, one man's meat is another man's poison.

That said, I'd rather had it than not have it. My point was that yes has a habit of letting sub-standard material pass the quality control process onto the open market. You can't fault the actual playing (though Awaken post-96 is IMO a pale shadow of what it was in the late 70s), but you can often find a case for criticising the people responsible for the quality of the post-production work.

I am sure you'll disagree with this too ;) and race off to listen to Yessongs to remind yourself how great the audio quality is.

I'll race off too - but only to remind myself how brilliantly they played, rather than to applaud the this was recorded "via a public phone" quality.

Dave. :)

[Malcolm Birkett]

Oh man I wish I could come Malcolm but it doesn't look like I'll be able to.

I can't wait to see the offical video
Me too. I think I am getting it on Monday. It was very frustrating for me as I went to the Cambridge 'Strawberries' signing (train up from NYC) but couldn't stay for the Tsongas show in Lowell. I had to get back to NY and fly home.
Aw, shucks..you can't make it to the Beacon. I was hoping to hit a couple of West coast shows but the dates just didn't work out. Ah well, some other time. Do you still have plans to come over here some time?

[Mostly Harmless]

Hi Malcolm,

My sister and I were at the 'Strawberries' signing as well. That's where we won the front row tix!

[Vic Anderson]

today i am going fishing

[Altres]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll certainly be getting the Symphonic one next I think. :D

Thanks again,
Brian

[Mostly Harmless]

Have fun Vic. I went yesterday, fresh water bass fishing. I caught a couple nice ones too. Come to think of it, I'm going again today AND tomorrow. Big trip for stripers next Thursday. After all, I am 'Oceanmaid'!!!!!!

[YesJen357]

With all the above comments about Awaken. - My 2 cents worth is that the best video version of Awaken is the one from Montreux Jazz Festival 2003. Pity it's not an official release. But it is definitely a 'must have,' all the same. I have sent emails to Classic Pic's who must have access to, if not 'own' the yes-speak concert footage, requesting that they release it as a full show. - Only to be told that they have no plans at this time. Perhaps a few more (hundred) requests might have some influence?

[Symbol]

With all the above comments about Awaken. - My 2 cents worth is that the best video version of Awaken is the one from Montreux Jazz Festival 2003. Pity it's not an official release. But it is definitely a 'must have,' all the same. I have sent emails to Classic Pic's who must have access to, if not 'own' the yes-speak concert footage, requesting that they release it as a full show. - Only to be told that they have no plans at this time. Perhaps a few more (hundred) requests might have some influence?

What is the e-mail address Jen?

[YesJen357]

Haven't got the email add. in front of me, but their web ad. is www.classicpictures.co.uk (http://www.classicpictures.co.uk)
Kerry Osmond and Jo Garafalo are yes people at class. pic's.

[stevie]

There seem to be some wildly differing views regarding this DVD. I'll make up my own mind when I buy it from the shops on Monday.

[Malcolm Birkett]

Hi Malcolm,

My sister and I were at the 'Strawberries' signing as well. That's where we won the front row tix!
Yes, I remember you winning. The reaction was nearly as good as the signing! I seem to also remember that the boys themselves were very taken by the whole thing and how gobsmacked and pleased you were.
Great stuff!!

[oliastu]

Most of you seem to disagree re the quality of Tsongas, but I can only report on what I have got. The sound IS out of sync on the first disc and it is low towards the end of the second disc.

I got the dvd from CD WOW and can only conclude that I have a dud disc. Of course, the show is excellent. Please therefore dont 'ignore' my original post, just make sure you get a good copy for yourself as I will now do.

[InverYes]

The reviews and comments that this gets on Amazon UK are so negative that it's not going to do much to boost sales.

[jambo]

Most of you seem to disagree re the quality of Tsongas, but I can only report on what I have got. The sound IS out of sync on the first disc and it is low towards the end of the second disc.

I got the dvd from CD WOW and can only conclude that I have a dud disc. Of course, the show is excellent. Please therefore dont 'ignore' my original post, just make sure you get a good copy for yourself as I will now do.

i got mine from cd wow and mine is fine?????????????????????????

[Vic Anderson]

yay go jambo

[True Believer]

I've just finished watching it in its entirety now and loved it! I don't have any problems with the sound/picture/mix. It's all good.

[allpurechance]

Well Frank, of course it's your right to disagree. It's just my opinion of course.

Personally speaking - and I've got pretty much everything the band has ever marketed along with about 120 unofficial CD shows and numerous unofficial DVDs - it's pretty thin and weedy in terms of the sound, and it sounds very untogether to my ears compared with maybe 20/30 versions I've heard. That's all I am saying.

Each to his own!

As you say, one man's meat is another man's poison.

That said, I'd rather had it than not have it. My point was that yes has a habit of letting sub-standard material pass the quality control process onto the open market. You can't fault the actual playing (though Awaken post-96 is IMO a pale shadow of what it was in the late 70s), but you can often find a case for criticising the people responsible for the quality of the post-production work.

I am sure you'll disagree with this too ;) and race off to listen to Yessongs to remind yourself how great the audio quality is.

I'll race off too - but only to remind myself how brilliantly they played, rather than to applaud the this was recorded "via a public phone" quality.

Dave. :)

Dave,thanks for your thoughts!

I have a boot,one single solitary boot;got it here at work of all places---(which in itself is an amazing story...but for another time...)going to weed it to Yesfans as soon as I get my act together--

It's from a show I managed to get my sons to,the classic era band,from the 2002 2nd leg...

This is an audience recording,but---as such,it ROCKS!

The Awaken on it is----beyond words.I will have more to say about this show as time advances...I've said much already!lol-

Many,many of the best versions of Yessongs I have ever heard are here...I will weed just as soon as I can...

It may just be me and my sister...we have sentimental attachments to this show...

Or...

!!!

Frank

[spock]

Anyone else disappointed with the Tsongas dvd?

The sound is as if there is a microphone on each camera so that whoever is focussed on is most prominent. Steve is often too low in the mix and, by the end of disc one the sound/vision is out of sync! To top it off the extras are poor.

Considering this was embarrassingly delayed, I expected a lot better.

Yep indeed, got my copy yesterday..the sound in dts and 5.1 is without dynamics and bass is lacking, even the 1 drum config. on the acoustic set is too harsh and attacks too hard.
I wonder who worked the buttons and mixed this.....cause sack the guy.

[YesJen357]

I hope no one gets put off by the negative comments on this site.

I cannot praise the DVD highly enough. I was ecstatic when I played it for the first time. But then others must have a different show (?). It is perfect!
All YES fans should make sure that they boost the sales of this fantastic masterpiece!

[Grover]

YesSongs sounds bad but give me a break, it was 1972!
Keys sounded great but the video was not great.
Philadelphia sicks.
House of Blues sounds very good but for some mix issues with Steve.
YesSymphonic sounds good but the stage looks blah, esoecially compared to how they had it looking at the show that I saw.
Acoustic sounds great but is too short.

[Close to Loch Ness]

Brian, in my opinion it would have to be very cheap! It's pretty crap. The only really good recording before tsongas is the Yes symphonic DVD. Now that's worth getting - girls on stage dancing to YES.

regards
Brian

"in and around the lake"

[Vic Anderson]

if you want girls moving i sugest baywatch

[BredYes]

I don't understand the complaints by some of you about this DVD. My copy arrived yesterday. I was a bit afraid after reading these negative reviews.
But I watched the DVD from staart to finish and all I can say this is a FANTASTIC DVD. Some highlights are Yours is No Disgrace and the whole acoustic set. When I saw the concert in 2004 I remember I was very impressed by the performance and watching the DVD reminds me why I was that impressed.
The picture quality is great and the sound is good if you play in on stereo (and I have a good one).
I am not sure if it's better than Yessymphonic, only time will tell. But I think the vibe on stage is better an happier: more interaction and both Jon and Chris look great. The balance is OK, Wakeman is loud in the mix, Chris sometimes a bit low.
There is only one negative point: the "booklet": it has no value, no information and is full of errors (I never knew that Ritual was written by Bruford etc.).
For all you Americans who are waiting for this DVD: you don't have to be confused by the title of this thread. It is a great DVD, most Yesfans will love it. Smatt: I saw you close up during Owner.

[Close to Loch Ness]

Having watched and listened over the past week, my only criticism is that Steve is too low in the mix. Otherwise I think it is an excellent DVD.

By the way Vic, my comments on the dancing girls on the Symphonic DVD were a little flippant, but when I started going to Yes gigs there were NO females in the audience so this is a novelty for me.